Dean Keithly, Phd Email & Phone Number

Controls and software engineer for commercial and military jet engines.

Laurel, Maryland, United States

Developing and supporting operational software for spacecraft operations. Automating, optimizing, planning, and scheduling spacecraft operations.

Ithaca, New York Area

I develop and improve target selection algorithms for the exoplanet imaging mission simulator EXOSIMS. My work is connected to scheduling and planning strategies for the WFIRST coronagraphic instrument, looking at what observations should be made and when they should be made.

Broomfield, Colorado, United States

I optimized a constellation of spacecraft with a genetic algorithm to minimize communication latency, maximize coverage, and minimize the number of spacecraft used.I developed a optimal spacecraft communication scheduler using Mixed Integer Programming to determine when spacecraft and ground stations should communicate, what they should communicate, and how much should be communicated in a large and complex network of spacecraft.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Optimizing spacecraft direct imaging ground station locations using probabilistic analysis of detection based off integrating Two-line element derived Keplerian Orbital Element joint probability distributions of space objects.

Pasadena, Ca

Automatic generation of Thermal Desktop thermal models using a python-AutoCAD interface API.Creating thermal models for the new TeamX Thermal Chair of the Integrated Modeling Environment validated against thermal chair calculations.

Pasadena, California

I worked on downselection and mission formulation of Discovery 2018 mission concepts.

Ithaca, Ny

I lead a team of undergraduates to design and develop a novel Combustion Powered Hydro-Jet Engine capable of propelling a body through the water. We designed and developed a soft robotic actuator and solid body capable of with standing methane-oxygen combustion.Funded under the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC), we created a soft robot prototype that could be used unmanned missions exploring Europa's underwater ocean for the chemical disequilibrium signifying the presence of life.

Pasadena, California

I worked on the Saturn Probe New Frontiers Mission Proposal.

Huntsville, Alabama

Worked on human machine interfaces of rapid response human piloted space vehicles for close proximity operations. I tested mass property characterization methods for different human occupants and analyzed human piloting performance compared to machine piloted performance for optimal human machine integration.

Michigan Technological University

I developed a drone and net launcher system capable of capturing a hostile drone in mid-air. This has good application in stadium defense, airstrip defense, and high level security locations from store bought drones capable of carrying explosive and other dangerous payloads.I developed the set of intended customers and cited previous events where such a device would be beneficial. I derived a set of system requirements for the test system as shown in the video. I specified the parts to be purchased. I integrated the drone system to the net launching system. I heavily modified the net launcher.

Michigan Technological University

I developed a multinode, time based, thermal analysis of the Oculus-ASR satellite in orbit. Calculated view factors, albedo and solar radiation heat transfer, joule heating, battery thermal characteristics, and researched bolted contact thermal conductivity. I designed and built an active thermal control circuit to ensure mission critical components remain within operating temperature limits. I compiled a list of recommendations for other components near the limits of their operating temperatures including standoff material changes, coatings, and physical mounting location.I developed a set of parametric machine learning algorithm that can point a satellite to the angle of maximum thermal energy state or maximum solar energy state of a shape changing satellite from an unknown starting state.

Hampton, Va

Verification and Validation of FUN3D and CFL3D CFD codes on simple cases for publishing on the Turbulence Modeling Resource webpage. Cases included 2D Bump, 3D Bump, 3D axisymmetric bump, and flatplate. Scripting program to extend capabilities of new FUN3D version verification tests.

Orion Michigan

I filled a new solenoid-cam phaser research and development facility with the equipment necessary to characterize competitor and our own parts as well as replicate manufacturing processes occurring at the manufacturing plant.I also specified and installed test stands capable of meeting agreed upon OEM standards, specifically thermal and hydraulic test stands.

Engineering Tower Oakland University

Electrical Engineering Research for AutoBike, a new company focused on evolving the modern bicycle. Using a microprocessor, a NuVinci internal shifting hub, an accelerometer, a servo, and a front hub dynamo we enhanced a system to produce an optimal automatic shifting bicycle.

Auburn Hills

Software development for precise flow rate measurement systems.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd), Mechanical And Aerospace Engineering

Masters Of Science, Mechanical And Aerospace Engineering

Master Of Engineering (M.Eng.), Systems Engineering, 3.95

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Mechanical Engineering, 3.8

Activities and Societies: Aerospace Enterprise, Robotics Undergraduate Research, AIAA, Formula SAE Enterprise, ASME, SAE, AIAA, IEEE, Tau.